In a previous article, I have listed the qualities of what I think a “Best Lawyer” should possess to represent the legal profession in an ethical manner rather than glitzy and often deceptive legal advertising. On December 12, 2018, our profession lost one of the individuals that in my opinion qualify for being one of the “Best.”

On page B2 of the December 13, 2018, edition of the Chattanooga Times Free Press and in the obituary section of the Chattanoogan.com contains a descriptive article on the life of this unique person who passed away at the age of ninety-four.

Tom was a devoted husband, father of four children and thirteen grandchildren, Veteran of World War II, Harvard University law school graduate, church member and outstanding corporate, tax and estate planning attorney at three of Chattanooga’s leading law firms. His family, personal, legal, military, religious and civic duties are too many to list in this article and the reader is directed to his afore-mentioned obituary.

As a member of the Chattanooga Jaycees he was one of the original founders in 1953 of the Orange Grove Center in an abandoned grammar school in downtown Chattanooga for the mentally and physically handicapped. For sixty-five years he fought to help build the Center into its present facility in Glenwood where the needs of clients are supported and treated. His efforts to protect the rights of those clients on both local and state levels are unsurpassed. A normally quiet individual, he could be combative and forceful in the protection of Orange Grove’s clients.

For thirty-five years I have had the privilege of working with Tom on many legal matters pertaining to the Center. His enthusiasm, ethical standards and love of Orange Grove on a pro bono basis exemplifies how he is imminently qualified to be one of the “Best of the Best” in the legal community.

His death leaves a void that is impossible to fill.

I encourage you to buy local products and hire local, reputable attorneys!